CAPA calls for student solidarity with NTEU Day of Protest Action

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations expresses its support and solidarity with the National Day of Protest Action called on June 1 by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).

"It is in the interests of all groups in the sector to unite in the struggle against the concerted effort of this Government to erode the rights of students and staff alike. These attacks threaten the independence of universities to collect student services fees, fund student organisations and negotiate their own employment arrangements," said CAPA President Stephen Horton.

The Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements will undermine the employment conditions that are central to the quality of our universities. CAPA shares the concerns of the NTEU that the Government's proposed changes will increase casualisation, affecting the employment conditions and career prospects of university staff and postgraduate students.

Attacks on the rights of universities and staff to negotiate employment conditions are directly linked to the attacks on student organisations and the rights of universities to collect fees on their behalf. Staff unions and student organisations are vital to the quality and reputation of our universities.

This Government is intent on silencing dissent. If the workplace relations changes and the anti student organisation legislation are implemented, universities will lose their independent voice and staff and students will be left without representation.

"The most recent assaults on the independence of universities and student organisations must be tackled head on. CAPA calls on its affiliate organisations and all postgraduate students to join with their comrades in the NTEU to support the National Day of Protest Action," concluded Mr Horton.